PASQUINE (Paquine), French engineer of the department of Marine, who prepared plans for the re-fortification of Port-Royal (Annapolis Royal, N.S.); fl. 1681–88.

Pasquine, experienced in the mapping of the Mediterranean coasts of France and Spain, was sent to Acadia in 1688 at the request of Des Friches* de Menneval. His instructions, dated 10 April 1688, stated he was “to have an examination made of the posts which it is particularly necessary to occupy and fortify for the defence and conservation of the colony in case of war with its neighbour. . . .”

Pasquine arrived in Acadia aboard La Friponne, commanded by Barthélemy de Beauregard. He drew a detailed plan of the river and country surrounding Port-Royal and visited the other posts on the Bay of Fundy (Baie Française). He also prepared several plans for the rebuilding of the fort at Port-Royal, on the same site and scale as the old one, dated at Paris 26 Dec. 1688 and an estimate of the expense involved. The first estimate was 9,952 livres, but he made a second one of 7,761 livres. Although this project was approved the execution of the proposals was entrusted to Saccardy rather than Pasquine.

Pasquine left maps of the mouths of the Saint John, Penobscot, and Kennebec rivers, where he recommended that forts be erected. These maps, which are of great historical interest, reveal a man of talent.

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage. Nous reconnaissons l’appui du gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du ministère du Patrimoine canadien.